To be awarded the Medal for Humane Action a service member was
required to have performed over 120 days of duty, within the
geographical boundary of Berlin, with such duty being in support of the
Berlin Airlift between the dates of June 26, 1948 and September 30,
1949. Those so qualifying were also eligible for either the Army of Occupation Medal, or
the Navy Occupation Service
Medal, and both medals were authorized for simultaneously award
and display.

The Medal for Humane Action was created for the single purpose
of recognizing service during the Berlin Airlift. The medal was
never issued again and there are no devices authorized for display
on the Medal for Humane Action. Because of the decoration's
specific award eligibility, it has the unique quality of being
considered as both a military decoration and a commemorative
medal.